We now live under a kind of extrovert tyranny, Cain writes, and that
has led to a culture of shallow thinking, compulsory optimism, and
escalating risk-taking in pursuit of success, narrowly defined. In
other words, extroverts–amplifying each other’s groundless
enthusiasms–could be responsible for the economic crisis because the
do not listen to introverts, even when there are some around (and they
are not trying to pass as extroverts).

Introversion is definitely not generally respected in our culture
anymore. Some view it as a mental deficiency. This view has permeated
schools, businesses, and even our churches. (How did extroversion become
a sign of spirituality? What about the monastics?)

As a society, we need to value the introvert and look to them for the
insight and wisdom that comes more naturally to someone who is silent
and contemplative.